Underwater flare



Sept. 3, 1968 G. H. SCHILLREFF UNDERWATER FLARE Filed Jan.

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"United States Patent 3,399,621 UNDERWATER FLARE George H. Schillrelf, 644 N. Vista Bonita Ave., Glendora, Calif. 91740 Filed Jan. 5, 1968, Ser. No. 696,071 10 Claims. (Cl. 10237.8)

ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE An underwater flare which is electrically ignited and utilizes a transparent plastic casing within which the burning takes place, thus reducing the ame size while increasing the brilliance of the light produced. The transparent plastic are casing is readily attached to an all plastic, re-usable ignitor handle and can be ignited near the water surface or several hundred feet underwater by simply pressing the tiring button. In addition, one of the areas of the clear plastic casing can be provided with a reflective means.

Background of the invention This invention relates to the pyrotechnic are art, particularly to underwater pyrotechnic flares, and more particularly to the utilization of a clear or transparent plastic casing within which the flame burns, thus substantially reducing the size while increasing the brilliance of the light produced.

Much prior effort has been directed to producing more effective underwater flares for applications such as photography, fish hunting, scuba diving, and the like, as well as a protective means against sharks or the like. However, while the prior efforts have greatly increased the effectiveness of underwater flares, there are certain disadvantages which have not been overcome, prior to this invention; namely, weight, size, brilliance, water depth, and expense. The weight and water depth have been improved by the use of plastic casings and sealing arrangements as exemplified by U.S. Patent 3,064,576. One of the primary problems with the prior known underwater ares is the size required to generate suicient gas to maintain the flame burning in the open water. It is well known that in order to ignite and maintain a flame in water that sufficient excess gas must be generated to keep the flame from being extinguished, thus requiring a generation means far larger than that required to produce the tiame itself. Therefore, in the past, the ares have been large and thus more inconvenient to handle as well as Summary of the invention The underwater flare of this invention provides users, such as scuba divers, with a low cost, intense illumination source, which is hand held and electrically ignited and exceeds in brilliance by one to several orders of magnitude all competitive lighting systems or devices. It is utilized with an all plastic, re-usable ignitor handle which uses standard flashlight batteries and is capable of lighting several thousand flares in the range of depth from the surface to several hundred feet underwater. The embodiment of the flare tested is one and a quarter inches in diameter and twenty three inches long, thus illustrating the smallness in size compared to the prior known flares. The flare can be readily inserted into the handle prior to entering the water or inserted underwater at the time illumination is desired. Spare flares can `be carried in a back pouch for insertion after the burnout of the first flare which burns for about ten minutes, depending on depth and ambient temperature. In addition the utilization of a reflective surface for directing the light increases the applications therefor.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an underwater flare.

A further object of this invention is to provide an underwater flare which utilizes a clear plastic casing within which the llame burns and through which illumination is achieved.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clear plastic underwater Hare in combination with a plastic, re-usable ignitor handle.

Another object of the invention is to provide an underwater flare having a transparent casing and which increases the illumination while decreasing the size and expense thereof,

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrically ignited underwater are which can be easily attached to an ignitor handle and which burns with high brilliance for about ten minutes with a minimum of noise and bubbles.

Another object of the invention is to provide an underwater flare which utilizes a clear plastic casing having a reflective surface to channel light in a desired direction.

Other objects of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

Brief description of drawings FIG. 1 is a view partially in cross section of an embodiment of the novel clear plastic casing underwater flare assembly; and

FIG. 2 is a view partially in cross section of the ignitor handle assembly for the FIG. 1 flare.

Description of the invention As illustrated in the FIG. l embodiment, the inventive underwater are indicated generally at 10 comprises a casing or tube 11 which is of a clear or transparent plastic, such as clear acrylic, having pressed or otherwise positioned therein flare material indicated at 12, which may, for example, be finely divided magnesium with appropriate oxidizing material, or other such material as known in the -pyrotechnic art. At the forward end of the flare material 12 is a ring or plug 13 of suitable ignitor material which is activated by an electric squib 14 positioned within the forward end of tube or casing 11. The forward end of tube 11 is provided with one or two cuts through which squib wires 1S and 16 extend. Also, the forward end of tube 11 is provided with an end cap 16 of clear plastic material, such as clear acrylic, the end cap 16 being sealed to the tube 11 by suitable adhesive or sealant. End cap 16 is provided with a tapered aperture 17 within which is a pressure responsive plug 18 of suitable adhesive sealant, the purpose for which will be described hereinafter. If desired the end cap 16 and plug 18 may be cornbined into a single unit which will blow outwardly or disintegrate when suilicient pressure has been generated by burning of the flare material 12 to overcome the pressure of the water thereabout. Also, the closure may be burned away when sufiicient temperature of the burning material has been reached.

Positioned at the rearward end of flare material 12 is a plug 19 of iire clay or other suitable material, and adjacent the plug 19 is secured a disc or ring 20 of material such as clear plastic, the disc 20 being glued to tube 11 by acrylic plastic cement or other suitable material to provide a seal thereabout. Adjacent the disc or ring 20, the tube or casing 11 is provided with an aperture 21 through which squib wires 15 and 16 extend, wires 15 and 16 being secured to the outer surface of tube 11 by clear plastic tape, for example. An actuator assembly housing 22 of suitable plastic, such as PVC plastic, is secured in the aft end of tube or casing 11 by suitable bonding material. A plate 23 of PVC plastic, for example, is secured in the open end of housing 22 by PVC plastic glue or other means. Plate 23 is provided with a central aperture 24 within which a switch socket assembly 25 is mounted, socket assembly 25 being attached to squib wire 15. Also, plate 23 is provided with an aperture 26 through which squib wire 16 extends for connection with a solder lug 27 which is secured to housing 22 via switch socket assembly 25.

If desired, a reflective surface indicated at 11 may be secured to a portion of the tube or casing 11 to direct or channel the light in a desired direction. While the rcilective surface 11' has been shown extending 180 about casing 11, it may extend a greater or a lesser distance depending on the specific requirements. Thus, utilization of the reective surface 11 will not only direct the light in a specic direction but will serve to prevent the light from affecting the seeing capability of the user. The specific materials used for the reflective surface 11 will depend on the various applications and needs as known in the art. The reflective surface 11 may be positioned within the casing 11, as shown, or secured to the outer surface of the casing by suitable bonding material. Also, the reflective surface may be painted on or otherwise applied directly to the casing or tube 11.

The ignitor handle assembly generally indicated at 28, as shown in FIG. 2, is adapted to cooperate with the are assembly 10 of FIG. 1 as will be described herein below. As shown in FIG. 2, the ignitor handle assembly 28 comprises three sub-assemblies and the housings thereof consist of a switch holder assembly housing 29, a handle or battery holder assembly housing 30, and a tube connector assembly housing 31. Each of housings 29, 30 and 31 are constructed of plastic, such as PVC, with housings 29 and 30 being secured together by a threaded connection indicated at 32; while housings 30 and 31 are secured together by suitable bonding material, such as PVC plastic glue. An O-ring 33 is positioned intermediate housings 29 and 30 to insure a water tight connection; while an O-ring 34 is positioned in a groove in the end portion of housing 31 to provide a frictional tit between housing 31 and housing 22 of are assembly 10, such that flare assembly 10 is frictionally held in the ignitor handle assembly 28.

Switch assembly housing 29 includes a pair of counterbores or chambers 35 and 36 which are interconnected by a threaded aperture 37. Positioned within counter-bore 35 is a contact switch assembly 38 which is threadedly secured in aperture 37 such that the push button actuator 39 thereof is located in counter-bore 36. A flexible water proof seal assembly 40 is positioned in counter-bore 36 and around push button 39.

Positioned within housing 30 is a pair of standard batteries 41 and 42 such as the Eveready flashlight batteries. Positioned intermediate battery 41 and housing 29 is a compression spring 43 with a plug button or contact 44 secured thereto and in abutment with battery 41. A lead wire 45 interconnects plug button 44 with a terminal 46 of contact switch assembly 38.

Housing 31 defines a counter-bore or chamber 47 which is in communication with housing 30 via a threaded aperture 48. Secured to the end of housing 31 on the side adjacent the battery 42 is a plug bridge or plate 49 having an aperture therein which aligns with the threaded aperture 48 of housing 31. A switch plug assembly 51 is threadedly secured within counter-bore 47 via threaded aperture 48, and includes a portion which extends into the aperture 50 of plug bridge 49, which supports an escutcheon pin 52 which contacts the battery 42. Plug bridge 49 is provided with a cut-out 53 into which a solder lug 54 extends, lug 54 being operatively connected with switch plug 51 at one end while being secured, such as by soldering, to a lead 55 which in turn is operatively secured to a second terminal 56 of contact switch assembly 38. Lead 55 extends through housing 30. While not shown, housings 30 and 31 may be provided with an aperture which extends outwardly through the sidewall of counterbore 47 of housing 31 and through housing 30 to allow water within counter-bore 47 t0 escape when housing 22 of are assembly 10 is inserted into housing 31 during underwater operation.

In operation, the flare assembly 10 is inserted into the ignitor handle assembly 28 by inserting actuator housing 22 of are assembly 10 into the tube connector assembly housing 31 of handle assembly 28 such that the switch socket assembly 25 is inserted into the switch plug assembly 51 and the solder lug 27 is in contact with the plug assembly 51, with the O-ring 34 functioning to frictionally secure assemblies 10 and 28 together. With the flare thus assembled, activation is accomplished by pressing push buttom 39 which closes the electrical circuit and activates the electric squib 14 which ignites the material 13, which in turn lights the forward end of flare material 12. The initial lighting takes 'place' within the space at the forward end of tube or casing 11 and allows the flare material to be ignited without contact with water. As initial burning continues, pressure is generated within this space sufficient to blow out the plug or sealant 18, thereby allowing continued burning of the flare material 12. Due to the temperature of the flame within tube 11 the plastic thereof, while being burned does not blacken due to carbon and thus allows the light to be directed out through the wall surface of the clear plastic tube 11. Although the tube is consumed by the ame therein, sufficient length of the tube is maintained to provide a nozzlelike end within which suicient pressure from the burning material is mtaintained for preventing the water from affecting the burning operation.

Due to the novel use of a clear or transparent plastic casing and the pressure responsive end cap arrangement for initial igniting of the flare material, the size of the are and thus the cost thereof is substantially reduced. Also, since less gas needs to be generated to maintain the burning, which is accomplished within the casing or tube, the material utilized functions primarily to produce light which shines through the clear plastic tube.

With a flare assembly of the type described above, having a diameter of 1% inches and a length of 23 inches, tests have shown that it exceeds in brilliance by one to several orders of magnitude over all competitive lighting systems or devices, the brilliance being primarily determined by the depth of the water. Also, tests have shown that this novel are will light immediately and burn with a minimum of noise and bubbles for an average of ten minutes, depending on depth and ambient temperatures. Also, as pointed out above, the flare assembly can be inserted into the ignitor handle assembly prior to required ignition, or inserted underwater at the time the illumination is desired. After insertion it is only necessary to press the tiring button, located in a recess on the end of the ignitor handle, to ignite the flare.

Also, as pointed out above, the ignitor handle assembly is of the all plastic, re-usable type which utilizes two standard flashlight batteries and is capable of lighting ares in the range of depth from the surface to several hundred feet underwater. Also, due to the small size of the are assembly, spare flares can be carried in a convenient leg or back pouch for insertion after the rst flare burnout. These additional units can be inserted and lighted one after another, underwater, with no further preparation.

If desired, the housing 22 of flare assembly 10 and the ignitor handle assembly 28 may be constructed from the transparent acrylic plastic or other suitable materials.

Therefore, it has been shown that the inventive flare has produced a long needed low cost, intense illumination source, thereby greatly advancing the state of the underwater are art. In addition to its reduced size with increased illumination, the are is entirely safe for those utilizing it, since the plastic handle assembly remains cool, thus enabling it to be easily handled.

Although a particular embodiment of the liare assembly and ignitor handle assembly have been described and illustrated for purpose of explaining the invention, modilications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and changes as come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In an underwater ilare, a casing of transparent plastic material, burnable light producing material mounted in a portion of said casing, ignitor means mounted in one end portion of said transparent plastic casing, pressure responsive plug means closing said one end portion of said casing, actuator means mounted in the opposite end portion of said transparent plastic casing, and means interconnecting said ignitor means with said actuator means, whereby activation of said activator means ignites lsaid ignitor means which causes burning of said material to be initiated, thus producing illumination by the light produced from the burnable material shining through the transparent plastic casing and generating suliicient pressure to activate said pressure responsive plug means wherein continued burning of the material is sustained.

2. The underwater flare assembly delined in claim 1, additionally including a reflective surface extending over a portion of said transparent plastic casing for channelling the light produced therein in a desired direction through said casing.

3. The underwater Hare assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said pressure responsive plug means comprises an end cap sealed to said transparent plastic casing and having an aperture therethrough, and a plug member constructed of suitable material removably mounted in said end cap aperture.

4. The underwater are assembly dened in claim 1, wherein said ignitor means includes an electrically activated squib means operatively connected to said interconnecting means.

5. The underwater flare assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said burnable light producing material is of the magnesium base type.

6. The underwater are assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said actuator means includes -a housing operatively secured to said transparent plastic casing, a switch socket assembly operatively mounted in said housing, and a lug means secured to said housing, said switch socket assembly and said lug means being operatively connected to said interconnecting means.

7. The underwater are assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said transparent plastic casing is constructed of clear acrylic plastic.

8. The underwater are assembly defined in claim 1, in combination with an ignitor handle assembly; said ignitor handle assembly including an electrical power source, and switch means operatively connected to said power source; said switch means being removably attached to said activator means of said flare assembly, whereby actuation of said switch means causes activation of said activator means which ignites said ignitor means.

9. The combination defined in claim 8, wherein said switch means includes a push button type contact switch assembly and a switch plug assembly, said switch plug assembly being adapted to cooperate with said actuator means of said flare assembly.

10. The combination defined in claim 8, wherein said ignitor handle assembly includes a housing; said housing having a switch holder portion, a battery lholder portion and a tube connector portion, a push button type con-tact switch assembly being operatively mounted in said switch holder housing portion; said battery holder housing portion being adapted to contain at least one electrical storage type battery means; means adapted for operatively interconnecting said contact switch assembly with an associated battery means; a switch plug assembly operatively mounted in said tube connector housing portion; means operatively interconnecting said contact switch assembly with said switch plug assembly; means adapted for operatively connecting said switch plug assembly with an associated battery means adapted to be contained in said battery holder housing portion; said switch plug assembly being constructed to cooperate with said activator means of said iiare assembly; and means mounted in said tube connector housing portion for frictionally securing said flare assembly thereto.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 829,501 8/1906 Brunler.

2,836,172 5/1958 Ginsburgh et al. 126-263 3,051,085 8/1962 Finkelstein IGZ-37.8 3,064,576 lil/1962 Lytle 102-37.8 3,107,614 10/1963 Rolle 102-37.8 3,267,277 8/1966 McLaInb.

3,283,717 l1/196 6 Balch 102-37.8 3,354,828 11/1967 Sheer IGZ- 37.8

ROBERT F. STAHL, Primary Examiner. 

